As in previous years, the O-Nami Judo Club took an active part in the national judo tournament - known as The Easter Andrew Bertie Judo Tournament - organised by the Malta Judo Federation, and again came out with flying colours winning no fewer than seven out of the 10 gold medals available plus four silver medals, thus ending in the first place in the final medal list.

As in previous tournaments, Fra Andrew Bertie, Grand Master of the Order of St John, was on the mat with the coaches and Federation officials to give a helping hand and to encourage the young athletes. Fra Andrew Bertie is an active member of the Federation and holder of a 3rd Dan Black Belt.

This tournament was organised in a new format as some categories were combined. It was a perfect occasion for judokas to gauge their competitive skills with different opponents they usually encounter.

In the under 14 year category O-Nami members Alexander Attard and Maverick Scerri showed very good competitive skills and determination in all their bouts. Alexander competed in two categories - the under 55kg and the under 66kg categories - winning two gold medals while Maverick Scerri won the silver medal in the under 46kg.

In the under 16 years category, O-Nami members Alexander Attard, not quite satisfied with the two gold medals already won, competed in the under 60kg and again won the gold medal. Aaron Bezzina, another O-Nami member placed second, winning the silver medal.

Aaron Bezzina got his gold in the Juniors (under 19 years) under 66kg category.

In the senior category, the O- Nami Judo Club was represented by Marcon Bezzina, Evgeny Ulanov, Brent Law and David Sammut. Marcon Bezzina fresh from competitions in Italy and England, won the gold medal with great confidence and confirmed, if any was needed, that at the moment she is the Queen of Maltese Judo.

After quite a long break in competitive Judo, Brent Law returned to competition and although weighing less than 60kg, he competed in the under 81kg. He also managed to progress up to the final but unfortunately he lost and had to settle for the silver medal. Evgeny Ulanov, representing O-Nami Judo Club for the first time, competed in two categories, the under 100kg and in the over 100kg winning them both. The silver medal in the over 100kg went to another O-Nami member, David Sammut.

A spokesperson of the O-Nami Judo Club thanked all O-Nami members especially those who took part in this tournament and the club instructors John Zammit, Abud Latif and Eileen Portelli.

Judo lessons are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9pm at the Pembroke Dojo. For further information one may call 7966-2600 or send an e-mail to [email protected]